Vehicle fires are something that no one expects, but unfortunately, they can happen to all of us drivers. First of all: what are the main causes of vehicle fires? 1. The age of the vehicle. If your vehicle is 15 years old or older, be careful and pay extra attention. This is especially true with carbureted cars, where the risk of fuel leaks is greater. And with the use of adulterated fuels, parts in older cars can break, along with the vibration of engine parts, which is a natural factor. In addition, with age, the drying out of fuel-conducting parts also poses a risk; 2. Poorly placed parts in the vehicle. The biggest tip at this point is to have a mechanic you trust. Because an incorrect inspection can pose risks to you and other passengers and/or other people. A poorly done inspection or the insertion of inadequate, poorly fitted parts can also cause leaks and fires. 3. Leakage of flammable liquids from cables or hoses, which when in contact with the engine cause fires. If in doubt, these should be replaced during maintenance; 4. Short circuits and other electrical faults that can generate small sparks that when in contact with the vehicle's flammable liquids cause fires; 5. Engine damage in collisions can cause leaks or electrical faults resulting in fires. 6. Cleaning the engine area with abrasive products. Never use flammable products to blacken the engine, as this can generate flames when heated. Likewise, never leave rags or cloths in the engine compartment, especially if they are soaked in fuel or oil. 7. Alcohol gel inside the car left in the sun for a long time; this heat can cause combustion. 8. Adaptations and anti-theft blockers connected to the fuel pump wiring can cause a short circuit in the system if not properly carried out by professionals in the area. 9. Sound systems that use the positive wire from the battery to turn on the sound system. If the positive wire is not protected and comes into contact with the car's bodywork, it can be a serious risk of catching fire. 10. Not performing Preventive Maintenance: Accidents and fires can happen to anyone and any model or age of vehicle. However, there is a way to minimize these possible damages with all vehicle models: preventive maintenance. Have a mechanic do a complete inspection of the car's power supply parts where the fuel goes, to see if there are any leaks. Check the condition of the hoses to see if they are dry or poorly fitted. An automotive electrician to check the condition of the car's wiring, to see if your car is up to date, without loose or peeling wires and with perfect fittings. How to prevent fires in vehicles? And knowing how to act correctly to reduce damage is extremely important for us drivers, some questions: 1. Do I perform preventive maintenance. This way I avoid risks; 2. I am smart and know the condition of my car's electrical systems and I know how they are and where the car's fuel passes through; 3. Fire extinguisher: even though it is no longer mandatory, if I have a car that has been in use for a while I have one for any eventuality and I know how to use it. 4. I do not use adulterated fuel. Not even thinking about it! In addition to damaging the pipes that could cause fires, I am aware of other risks that its use can cause to my vehicle and my health! 5. Do I smell that extra strong smell of burning or fuel? Should I urgently seek out a trusted mechanic or electrician and check for the possible problem? 6. Finally, if in doubt, if possible, I take out vehicle insurance that also covers fires. Now that there was no way out, I was driving and the car caught fire? What should I do now? At this point, you need to be very careful, because there is a risk to your health and to the health of other people around you, in addition to the vehicle. 1. You should park your vehicle in a place away from other vehicles and people; 2. Immediately after parking, turn off the car; 3. To reduce the heat, open a small part of the car's hood; 4. If you have an easily accessible safety triangle, signal that you have a problem; 5. Using the fire extinguisher in the car to contain the fire in the engine, without opening the hood completely, just a crack, apply the extinguisher and wait. 6. If the fire persists and grows, call the fire department immediately and stay away from your vehicle; 7. Never use any other type of liquid, other than the extinguisher, or technique to try to control fires. There is a possibility of explosions due to flammable products, especially a full fuel tank. ✅ River Auto Peças e Auto Center: 📍 Av. Cel. Joaquim de Oliveira Prata, 574/630. 📞 (34) 2103-0800. 📸 https://instagr.am/riverautopecas​ 👍 https://fb.me/riverautocenter​ 🌐 https://www.riverautopecas.com.br